Should your small business be joining Threads, the new social media platform?

If you're anything like us, you're always looking for fresh ways to spice up your digital game and connect more meaningfully with your customers. And boy, do we have news for you!

Remember Instagram, the trusty social media platform that's been your tried and true sidekick in the wild world of digital branding? It's gone and released a sibling platform: Threads, the newest player in the social media field. 

This fresh-faced platform has taken the digital world by storm, attracting a staggering 10 million sign-ups within the first seven hours of its launch. Yes, that's right, seven hours! If that doesn't scream 'social phenomenon,' we don't know what does.

But with any newbie social platform, the question is: should your small business hop on this bandwagon and take it for a spin? Do the pros outweigh the cons? Well, hold on to your hashtags, ladies and gents, as we're about to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of Threads. 

What is Threads, anyway?

Now, don't feel out of the loop if you're squinting at your screen and asking, "Threads, huh?!" It's a fresh-out-of-the-oven social media platform, released in July 2023. In fact, Meta only announced it was working on the “alternative to Twitter” three months before its launch. 

Threads is essentially a standalone messaging app designed to give your text updates and public conversations a life of their own. It's like stepping into a digital party where you can mingle, chat, and share ideas with like-minded folk. And the best part? You can do all of this without abandoning your Instagram roots. Just log in with your Instagram account, and voila, you're in!

Currently Threads is available in the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada as well as many other countries. However, it isn’t yet available in the EU due to regulatory issues.

What can you post on threads?

Just like Instagram, Threads welcomes images and videos with open arms. But here's where it shakes things up: Threads also allow for links and text-only messages. Fancy posting a quick update without an accompanying photo? Threads has you covered!

Oh, and let's not forget the pièce de résistance: animated gifs. Yes, dear reader, you can channel your inner Spielberg and add a dash of cinematic flair to your posts, all thanks to the integrated Giphy app.

Here's a quick breakdown of what you can post on Threads:

• Text (up to 500 characters)
• Images and Photos (up to 10)
• Videos (up to 5 minutes long)
• Links
• Carousels
• Animated .gifs (powered by Giphy)

Pretty impressive, right? But before you jump in headfirst, let's take a moment to go over the current no-go zones on Threads. Currently (as of the publish date of this blog), you won't be able to:

• Post hashtags
• Send direct messages (DMs)
• Run ads
• Pin posts

We're keeping our fingers crossed for future updates that will hopefully unlock these features.

Weighing the pros and cons of joining Threads for small businesses

Like any savvy entrepreneur, you're likely mulling over the potential benefits and drawbacks of embracing Threads. It's a healthy exercise, one that ensures you're making informed decisions for your business. Here’s our insight:

Pros of joining threads

• Be a pioneer: As an early adopter, you can tap into the excitement of exploring a new platform and be among the first to establish a strong brand presence. It's the thrill of a blank canvas, a chance to carve out a niche for your brand and set the tone.

• The algorithm advantage: The Threads algorithm appears to be especially responsive to new content at this early stage. This means that as you start posting and interacting with your audience, you could see a higher reach and engagement, giving you a head start on brand visibility.

• Recruitment potential: Early adopters have reported that Threads holds promise as a recruitment platform. By sharing more about your company culture and values, you could attract like-minded individuals who could be future employees or collaborators.

Cons of joining threads

• Indelible connection with Instagram: One potential drawback is that Threads is linked to your Instagram profile. Currently, you can't delete your Threads account without deleting your Instagram profile, so keep this in mind as you consider adopting this new platform.

• Time commitment: Managing yet another social media profile requires time, resources, and commitment. If you're already juggling multiple platforms, the addition of Threads could stretch your resources thin unless you're ready to invest in mastering it.

• Uncertain future: Threads is the new kid on the block, and while it's showing potential, there's no guarantee of its longevity or sustained popularity. As with any new platform, there's a level of risk involved.

Remember, every business is unique, and what works well for one may not necessarily suit another. It's essential to consider your business's specific needs, capabilities, and goals as you weigh the pros and cons. And as always, stay tuned in to your audience and their preferences - they are, after all, the heart of your business.

How to use Threads for your small business

Are you itching to know what Threads can do for your small business? Well, you're in luck! Below is  a handy guide on what’s on offer:

Creating a VIP experience:

A dose of exclusivity;Threads provide the perfect platform for sharing behind-the-scenes content, exclusive promotions, and sneak peeks of upcoming products or events. Threads looks like a great platform to build anticipation!

And don't forget to encourage your followers to join the conversation and provide feedback - it's a fabulous way to foster community and create buzz around your brand.

Storytelling and brand building:

Threads has an ace up its sleeve - it allows businesses to share ‘Stories’ with their select circles, which could include loyal customers, employees, and partners. 

What does this mean for your business? It means you can share captivating stories about your brand, highlight user-generated content, and showcase the human side of your business, all with an air of intimacy. 

It's an excellent avenue for strengthening your brand image and weaving a tight-knit community around your business. Remember, nothing resonates more with an audience than authenticity and shared experiences.

Controlling the conversation:

One of the standout features of Threads is its tools for fostering positive, meaningful conversations. You have the power to:

• Control who can mention you or reply to your posts
• Filter out undesirable replies by adding hidden words
• If necessary, you have the option to unfollow, block, or report profiles

The peace of mind that comes with having control over your Threads interactions can be a real game-changer for small businesses.

While it's still early days for Threads, there's no doubt it holds exciting potential for small businesses. Just remember, like any new platform, there will be a learning curve. So, stay flexible, keep an open mind, and, most importantly, have some fun as you explore this new addition to your social media toolkit.

Our overall thoughts: join Threads, but only if you’ve got the time!

Navigating the ever-changing social media landscape can feel like a roller coaster ride, but it's also an opportunity to keep your brand fresh and relevant. 

Our current final thoughts are that the pros outweigh the cons, but only if:

• You already have a strong brand influence on Instagram (as there’s a high chance your followers will jump to Threads too).
• You’ve got the time and resources to put into creating content. (It looks like early adopters have found trially text-focused content is doing well on there.)
• You’re willing to risk the uncertainty!

But remember, growth often happens outside of our comfort zones. As a small business, embracing new avenues like Threads could lead to exciting connections, amplified brand visibility, and a stronger community around your brand. 

In the end, the decision to join Threads should align with your overall business strategy and goals. So, take the plunge or wait and watch - the choice is yours! Whatever you decide, stay adaptable, keep your audience at the forefront, and continue to let your unique brand shine.